Checking if someone has a criminal record or not is often an essential part of getting to know an individual and vetting their safety. Whether you are moving into a new neighborhood or ensuring that your potential partners are safe to date, a quick check on someone’s criminal background report can do a lot of good.
Our article gives you information on how to check if someone has a criminal record and obtain the valuable information you need.
Are Criminal Records Public?
Criminal records are considered public record, which means that the general public can access information about crimes and criminal activities on a certain person’s record.
If a criminal record is sealed or otherwise kept from the public (this often happens with the criminal records of juveniles), then the public may not access it. Only certain authorized individuals in special circumstances may access sealed records.
Is It Legal To Access Someone Else’s Criminal Record?
It is legal to access someone else’s criminal record by searching for public criminal records in their name.
It’s important to note that you cannot conduct a criminal record check on someone without their knowledge if you are using the check as part of a pre-employment process. There are state and federal disclosure laws in place that ensure you notify someone if you are accessing their background reports as part of an application screening process.
However, performing a criminal record search on someone is legal if you are using the information for your own peace of mind.
Methods To Check If Someone Has A Criminal Record
There are a few different methods you can utilize to check if someone has a criminal record. If you are having trouble with one method, make sure to try them all, as you never know what is going to give the best results.
Criminal Record Search Tools
Criminal record search tools are the easiest way to access someone’s criminal record online without searching government websites or going in person to a public records office.
With an online criminal record search tool, like the one here, you can simply type in the person’s name and location, run the search, and then review the report. This report is compiled from public information data and gives you an easy way to check someone’s entire criminal record history.
Federal Government Websites
Government websites, such as the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) website, are a great way to figure out if someone has federal criminal convictions.
You will need to register yourself as a user on PACER and on most other federal government websites, but once you do, you can search current and historical federal court records. Keep in mind there may be a fee associated with registering or accessing these records.
State Records Websites
State records websites are a simple way to search local county and state court records without too much stress.
Simply search for your state’s ‘case search’ or ‘court records’ website and read the rules about how to access court information. You may need to register an account on this website or pay a fee to access court records.
Alternatively, you can go in person to local county records offices and speak to a staff member about accessing the criminal records you need.
Obtaining Important Criminal Record Information
Checking if someone has a criminal record may seem difficult at first, but this process doesn’t need to be as overwhelming and confusing as you might think.
The best ways to check if someone has a criminal record are by searching public records via an online search tool, federal websites, or state government websites. Use the methods listed in our article and get to work putting your mind to rest when it comes to protecting yourself and others.
